Overhead Projector, Economy, ABS Body

Quick Answer: The Overhead Projector, Economy, ABS Body is an entry-grade overhead projector whose housing is moulded from ABS plastic, projecting transparencies placed on its illuminated glass stage onto a screen. An ABS overhead projector is lighter than a sheet metal one of similar layout, which helps when one projector is carried between classrooms.

ABS Housing: Light and Rust-Free

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a tough engineering plastic used for equipment housings, from power tools to classroom electronics. As a projector body it is lighter than steel sheet, does not rust in humid or coastal climates and does not dent. It can crack if dropped from a height, and, because plastic conducts heat poorly, the housing relies on the internal fan and vents to carry heat away from the lamp, so vents must never be blocked.

The economy grade suits teachers who use transparencies for part of a lesson and need a projector that one person can carry. The listing does not state the lamp type, the stage size or which features separate economy from deluxe models; the deluxe ABS model is the step up in the same body material, and the economy sheet metal version offers the same grade in a metal housing.

Typical Uses

• Carrying one projector between classrooms for transparency lessons.
• Demonstrating wave behaviour: a shallow transparent tray of water on the stage projects ripples onto the screen.
• Showing prepared transparencies of diagrams and flow charts in lectures.
• Humid and coastal locations where metal housings can corrode.

Specifications

Set-Up and Care

• Place the projector on a stable trolley or table so the head points at the centre of the screen, then switch on the lamp.
• Move the projector to size the image first, then turn the focus knob until writing is sharp.
• Keep vents clear and let the fan run after the lamp is switched off.
• Wipe the plastic housing with a damp cloth only; solvents such as acetone attack ABS.

Why Choose LabEquip

Schools that share projectors between rooms, and trainers who travel with one, tend to choose the lighter ABS body. LabEquip lists this model in the General Lab Products range; to compare grades before ordering, write to us through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ABS and why is it used for projector bodies?

ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is a tough, mouldable plastic. It makes a lighter housing than sheet metal, does not rust or dent, and can be moulded with built-in vents and handles.

Is an ABS projector as durable as a metal one?

For normal classroom handling it is, and it will not dent or corrode. However, a heavy drop can crack plastic, whereas metal tends to dent. Carry it by the base and use a trolley where possible.

Does the plastic body get hot?

The area around the lamp and vents becomes warm during use, which is normal. Heat is removed by the fan, so keep the vents clear and do not cover the projector while it is on.

How can I show water waves with the projector?

Place a shallow, clear tray with a little water on the stage and dip a pencil tip or dropper into it. The ripples act like lenses and appear as bright and dark lines on the screen. Keep water off the stage glass and dry any drips at once.

Which cleaners are safe for the housing?

Use a cloth dampened with water and a little mild detergent. Avoid acetone, thinners and other strong solvents, which can soften or craze ABS plastic.

What is the safest way to carry the projector between rooms?

Switch off, let the lamp cool, lower the head if the design allows, and carry the projector by its base with both hands. A trolley is safer for long distances, and a dust cover protects the lens and stage.

Last Updated: September 2026